abood



J y 30, 1957 J. J. ABOOD 2,800,783

COMPOSITE FABRIC AND METHOD OF' MAKING THE SAME Filed Aug. 15, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY lnited States Parent* O COMPOSITE FABRIC AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME John J. Abood, Darien, Conan.

Application August 13, 1954, Serial No. 9,663

15 Claims. (Cl. Gli-492) This invention relates to a fabric formed of two or more substantially different types of material and to a method of making the same. More particularly, the invention is directedto a warp knit fabric comprising parallel, relatively narrow strips of sheet-like material locked in place by interloc'ked knitted yarn or thread courses.

The fabric of the invention is particularly intended for end use in Shoes, handbags :an-d the like. For this purpose, the narrow strip material is preferably a Wearresistant. material such as leather or leather-like substances, i. e. natural or artificial leather or synthetic plastic composition material in sheet form. Preferably, the strips are finished or polished on at least their ultimately outward surfaces, although both surfaces may be of a polished or finished nature.

The knit structure locking the strips in predetermi-ned relation i-'s knit from, a suitably moisture and wear-resifstant thread or yarn, a thread or yarn of a. synthetic resin such as. nylon being preferred.

The structure of the fabric is charaeterized by space-d piarallel Chains of knit loops formed. from' one of three groups of threads. or yarns used in knitting the fabric. These ehains are spaced by the width of the leather strips, so as to extend along the sides of each Strip' and between adjacent strips.

The second and third groups of threads or yarns in terconnect the chain-s over opposite surfaces of the strips, thus locking the strips in position. The second. group of' threads or yarns overl'ies the front surfaces of the strips being intertwined with the loops of adjacent' Chains in a' predetermi'nedmanner. The third group of threads or yarns: is formed' as an overlay across the back surfaces: of the strips, being run through the loops of adjacent Chains in a predetermined manner.

' The fabric is preferably formed on 'a Rachel machine, with the Chains of loops being formed by needles in every second location in one row, the intermediate needles of such row being, omitted. The knit structure is thus /2' gauge. In all instances, the yarns or threads move horizontally ofi the machine as the fabrie is formed.

The narrow strips' are fed vertieally toward the knitted structure by a novel' guidi-ng structure comprising parallel fiattened or oval tubes each arranged to feed* astrip between two of the: loop Chains: These tubes extend vertically relative to the knitting bed and have their' major axes parallel and: at an acute angle to. the horizontal directions of the loop Chains. As' the strips fed from the tubes, are progressively' laid longitudinally between adjacent loop Chains, they are progressively locked in position by the second' group of yarns or threads, Crossing over the front surfaces of the strips, and the third group of yarns or thread, forming an overlay over the back surfaces of the strips.

For' a better understanding of the principles' of the invention reference is made to the following description 2,8%,783 Patented July 30, 1957 of a typical embodiment thereof as illnstrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a dagrammatic plan view illustrating the loop Chains and their interconnection by the front and back threads or yarns;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the strips :alternating with the' loop Chains, the second (front) and third (back) threads or yarns being omitted for clarity;

Fig. 3 s a front surface plan view of the finished fabric;

Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of the guiding tubes for the strips; and

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view on the line' 5--5 of Fig. 4. q

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawing, the loop Chains' lla through 10e are formed by needles 15 in every other position (alternate positions) of one needle row of a Rachel knitting machine. While five (5) Chains are illustrated, this is exemplary only and the number of Chains is selected in accordance with the desired width of the fabric. While several rows of needles 15 are shown to illustrate the progressive formation ofthe Chains, only alternate needles in a single row are actually used in ferming the Chains 10.

In forming each chain 10, a thread or yarn 11 of nylon or the like is looped and knottedaround a needle 15 by the mechanism of the Rachel machine to form a loop 12. As formed, each chain is progressively drawn horizontally over the working bed. of the machine, the :needle 15 being retracted from each formed loop 12 and then projected to form the next loop. While shown open for clarity of illustration, each chain 10- is actually a tightly knit series of loops 12.

By virtue of using only alternate needle positions in the row, the Chains 10 are spaced laterally to receive the leather strips to lietherebetween. This forms a /2 gauge knit structure, #18 gauge needles 15 being preferred for the formation of the Chains.

As the Chains 10 are thus progressively formed, the leather strips are progressively fed to lie flat between adjacent Chains, and the Chains are progressively interconnected or knitted together, with the leather strips locked in position, by the second (front) and third= (back) groups of threads or yarns.

The second or front groups' of threads or yarns 20a, 20b are suitably manipulated, as the Chains 1 0 are formed to provide groups of knit stitches alternately connecting .alternate Chains to the Chains on either side thereof. Two complete sequences, and several partial sequences, of the stitches formed by this group of threads' or yarns are shown in Fig. 1. Each thread 20a, 201), inter-connects three adjacent Chains 10. The thread first makes four cross stitches between the center chain and the left chain, for example, makes a stitch between adjacent p loops' along the' center chain, and then makes four cross stitches between the Center chain and right chain. With reference to the center or intermediate chain of the group of three, the sequence is as follows:

. Four cross stitches-center-to-left. One stitch along center.

Four cross stitches-center-to-right. One stitch along center.

. Repeat sequence.

The next adjacent thread 2011, ZOb goes through the same sequence, being ofr'set two Chains from the first thread. All of the threads 2051, Ztlb make* their cross stitches simultaneously in the same direction, then make one stitch each simultaneously along their central chain of three, and then simultaneously form cross stitches connecting the center and right chains.

Taking thread 20a, for example, this thread forms a cross-Stitch from cente'r to left connecting loop' 12-1 of center chain b to loop 12-2 of. left chain 10a, follows the latter loop, makes a cross stitch from left to center connecting loop 12-2 of chain 10a to loop 12-3 of chain 10b, follows the latter loop, makes a stitch from center to left connecting loop 12-3 of chain 10b to loop 12-4 of chain 10a, follows the latter loop, makes a stitch from left to center connecting loop 12-4 of chain 10a to loop 12-5 of chain 10b, and follows loop 12-5 of chain 10b. Thread 20a then makes a stitch along chain 10b to follow loop- 12-6 thereof, afterwhich the cross stitches sequence is repeated to the right to interconnect loops of chains 10b and 100.

; At the-same times and locations 'that thread 2011 forms cross stitches between chains 10aand 1017, the next adjacent thread 20b forms crosses between chains 100 and 10d as seen at the center of Fig. 1. As these groups of cross stitches overlie the front surface of the leather strip, the finished fabric has the appearance of being woven from leather strps, extending in one direction, and ribbon type yarns extending in the cross direction.

' The third group of threads or yarns 30 is formed as an "inlay" overlying the 'back surface of the leather strips. As illustrated, each thread 30 forms four cross thread portions to the left, for example, one thread portion Centered on the center chain between consecutive loops 12, four cross thread portions to the right, one thread portion Centered on the center chain, and repeats. The Sequence of each thread 30 is as follows:

. Four cross thread portions--center-to-left One thread portion along center Four cross thread portions center-to-right One thread portion along center Sequence repeated.

In performing this sequence, the right thread 30 is drawn to the left through adjacent loops of chains 100 and 10d, then to the right through the next pair of 'adjacent loops of these chains, to the left through the third pair, to the right through the fourth pair, to the left through the fifth loop of chain 10d, then alternately right and left through the 'sixth through ninth loops of chains 10d and 10e, and then to the right through the tenth loop of chain 10d. The Sequence then repeats. Adjacent threads 30 are drawn at the same time in the same direction at each point along alternate chains 10. Threads 30 thus form alternating and staggered groups of four cross threads underlying the back surface of each leather strip.

Fig. 2 illustrates how the strps 40 are laid in'parallel relaton between and parallel to adjacent chains 10. These strips are fed vertically toward the working surface of the machine by the guide structure shown. As each strip 40 is progressively laid between chains 10, the chains are progressively interconnected by threads 20a,

2017, and 30, these threads, with their cross stitches or cross threads, looking the strips 40 into position,

The front surface of the finished fabric is shown in Fig. 3 wherein the cross Stitch groups of threads 20a, 20b, etc. in cooperation with strips 40 form a checkerboard or woven appearance. The cross-Stitch iuterconnection of the chains 10, looking strps 40 in position, forms a tight structure.

The guiding means for strips 40, 'as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, comprises a series of flattened or oval tubes 50 of suitable material such as brass. Each tube 50 has a support pin 51 soldered or brazed to its back edge. The tubes are supported in properly spaced or oriented relaton in a suitable jig or fixture and a support block 55 of lead or a suitable low melting point allow is cast around pius 51 to lock the tubes in their pre-set relaton. Blocks 55 are then mounted on the machine frame above the working surface to feed the strps 40 vertically toward such surface for laying between the chains 10.

The tubes 50 are so oriented that their major axes make an acute angle with the longitudinal direction of progression of the formed fabric, and are so spaced as to 'accurately position each Strip 40 between two chains 10. As the threads 20a, 20b, and 30 form cross-stitches or Cross threads between chains 10 over each face of strips 40, the strips are pulled into substantially coplanar relaton with the knit structure.

The guide structure of Figs. 4 and 5 is -an important feature of the invention as it permits the strps to be fed to the knitting machine bed in predetermined close relation. By virtue of the acute angle formed between the major axes of tubes 50 and the line of progression of the knitted structure, strps 40 can be fed in alignment with their proper position in the fabric. If the major axes of tubes 40 were in alignment, it would not be possible to feed as large a number of strps per unit of width as is possible with the guide'arrangement shown.

The strps 40 has been described, by way of example only, as each extending in parallel relaton between and along a pair of loop chains 10. However, this is illustrative only as, by proper manipulation of the knitting machine elements, any predetermined pattern of the strps can be obtained. For example, each strip, as it is locked into the knit structure, can be stepped laterally at preset intervals so as to form a stopped pattern across the fabric. As another example, the feeding of the strps can be interrupted at preset intervals to change the pattern, or a strip of one color or type may be replaced by a strip of another color or type.

While the fabric s preferably formed on a "Rachel" machine, this is by way of example only, as the fabric can 'be formed equally well on other types of knitting machines, such as a Tisch machine.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been described in detail to illustrate the application of the invention principles, it should be understood that the invention may be otherwise embodied without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

l. A composite fabric of thread and sheet-like material comprising elongated, substantially parallel, laterally spaced chains of loop stitches; cross stitching and cross threads interconnecting each chain to chains on either side thereof; and narrow strps of sheet-like material lying between said chains and locked in position by said cross stitching and cross threads.

2. A composite fabric of thread and *sheet-like material comprising elongated, substantially parallel, laterally spaced chains of loop stitches; groups of cross stitching staggered longitudinally of each chain and connecting each chain alternately to chains on either side thereof; groups of cross thread portions staggered longitudinally of each chain and connecting each chain alternately to chains on either side thereof; and narrow strps of sheet-like material lying between said chains and locked in position by cross stitching and cross thread portions; said cross stitching and cross thread portions overlying opposit surfaces of said strips. v

3. A knit :composite fabric of thread and sheet-like material comprising knit elongated, substantially parallel, laterally spaced chains of loop stitches; knit cross stitching and cross threads interconnecting each chain to chains ou either side thereof; and narrow strips of sheet-like material lying between said chains and locked in position by said cross stitching and cross threads.

4. A knit composite fabric of thread and sheet-like material comprising knit elongated, substantially parallel, laterally spaced chains of loop stitches; groups of knit cross stitching staggered longitudinally of each chain and connecting each chain alternately to chains on either side thereof; groups of cross thread portions staggered longitudinally of each chain and connecting each chain alternately to chains on either side thereof; and narrow strps of sheet-like material lying between said chains and locked in position by said cross stitching; said cross stitching and cross thread portions overlying opposite su'rfaces of said strips.

5. A composite fabric as claimed in claim 1 in which said material is leather.

6. A composite fabric as claimed in claim 1 in Which the threads are a synthetic resin.

7. A composite fabric as claimed in claim 1 in which the threads are nylon.

8. A composite fabric as claimed in claim 1 in Which said material is leather and the threads are nylon.

9. A method of forming a composite fabric comprising sirnultaneously forming a loop stitch along each of a plurality of laterally spaced threads and successively repeating such forming to provide elongated, substantially parallel, laterally spaced Chains of loop stitches; progressively laying narrow strips of sheet-like material between said Chains as the latter are formed; and, as lateral rows of loop stitches *are formed step-by-step, interconnecting, by cross stitches and cross threads, each chain to the Chains on either side thereof to unite corresponding loop stitches into successive courses and lock said strips in position.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9 in which said loop stitches and cross stitches are formed by knitting.

11. A method as claimed in claim 9 in which said cross stitches and cross threads are formed in longitudinally successive groups, the successive groups of cross stitches and cross threads connecting each chain alternately to Chains on either side thereof.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11 in Which said loop stitches and cross stitches 'are formed by Knitting.

13. A method of forming a composite fabric comprising, simultaneously ferming a loop stitch along each of a plurality of laterally spaced first threads and successively repeating such forming to provide elongated substantially parallel, laterally :spaced Chains of loop stitches; progressively laying narrow strips of sheet-like material into the spaces between said Chains as the latter are formed; as the successive lateral rows of loop stitches are formed step-by-step, ferming a plurality of second threads into cross stitch sequences each Centered on alternate Chains, each Sequence comprising a repetitive Sequence including a series of cross stitches connecting the center chain to the chain at one side thereof, at least one Stitch along' the center chain, a series of cross stitches connecting the center chain to the chain at the other side thereof, and at least one more Stitch along the center chain; the cross stitches overlying one surface of the strips on each side of the center chain; and, in synchronism with the formation of said cross Stitch sequences, progressively ferming a plurality of third threads into sequences each Centered on one of alternate Chains, each *Sequence comprising a repetitive Sequence including a series of thread portions each connecting the center chain to the chain at one side thereof, at least one thread portion Centered on the center chain, a series of thread portions each connecting the center chain to the chain at the other side thereof, and at least one thread portion Centered on the center chain; the third threads underlying the opposite surface of strips on each side of the center chain.

14. A fabric composed of substantially parallel, spaced chain stitch threads, face yarns, back yarns, the face yarns and the back yarns interconnectng the chain stitch threads, and substantially parallel, spaced strips of leather in the Spaces between the chain Stitch threads and looked in position between the face yarns and the back yarns.

15. A fabric composed of substantially parallel, spaced chain Stitch threads, face yarns, back yarns, the face yarns and the back yarns interconnecting the chain stitch threads, and substantially parallel, spaced strips of sheetlike material in the Spaces between the chain stitch threads and looked in position between the face yarns and the back yarns.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 757,851 Waitzfelder Apr. 19, 1904 779,l09 Aaron Jan. 3, 1905 2,107,5l2 Steinberg Feb. 8, 1938 2,142,908 Mendel Jan. 3, 1939 2,144,667 Stein Jan. 24, 1939 2,159,615 Kaak May 23, 1939 2,480,231 Eshleman Aug. 30, 1949 2,605,625 Grant Aug. 5, 1952 2,680,959 Walford June 15, 1954 

